Bala Tamayo: Major Dad

Major Bala Tamayo of The Philippine Army, contemplates about spirituality, fortitude and how he stays grounded — as a soldier and as a dad

For those in uniform, General Douglas MacArthur’s famous motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” is a mantra that powers them through the toughest missions. But for Major Bala Tamayo, there’s another virtue just as vital: spirit. It’s what he nurtures quietly between deployments, in early hours before the sun rises—through the physical discipline of Bhakti Yoga and separate moments of prayer. Whether meditating on God’s names alone, or with fellow soldiers, Bala finds these practices steel him for the next mission and its many uncertainties. 

“It doesn’t matter if we are on the frontlines or resting at home—life can change in an instant,” he shares. “Death can come at any time.”

Rather than fear the unknown, Bala instead focuses on what really matters: his relationship with God. Each day begins and ends in prayer, as he continuously seeks the clarity and strength to serve with a steadfast heart.

Emboldened by spirituality — a legacy of service

Bala’s spirituality is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy of service. A proud third-generation soldier, his journey, however, wasn’t as straightforward as many might assume. At one point, he dreamed of becoming a professional football player—dreams abruptly cut short by a torn ACL, which cost him athletic scholarships to top universities, and ultimately, the future he has imagined. 

It was a painful setback—but ultimately, a providential one. Determined to move forward, Bala leaned into hard work and purpose. Guided by his family’s values of grit, strength, and selflessness, he marched on and chose the path of service.

Now armed with his spiritual discipline and the Philippine Army’s institutional support, Major Bala stays grounded in his mission. He faces every deployment with unwavering resolve, knowing that every action—no matter how small—contributes to a greater purpose. Through both calm and chaos, despite facing life’s endless hardships, he stays resilient and draws strength from his faith. The courage to press forward, he says, comes from choosing to take shelter in the Lord.

“In the midst of danger, I remind myself that God’s love is the absolute source of encouragement,” he explains. “Doing so prepares me for moments of distress. When death or difficulty comes, I know where to turn.”

The Philippine Army plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening the spiritual life of its soldiers. Its Transformation Roadmap includes spiritual well-being as a core performance metric in every personnel’s individual scorecard.  Army chaplains conduct regular religious services inside camps, and churches and mosques are built in major army camps, offering soldiers of all faiths a place to turn for peace and guidance amid  the trials of war and battle. 

Fueled by family

Though many admire him for his invaluable combat experience, Bala remains humble. Each encounter in the field has shaped him, providing deeply profound realizations that only deepen his commitment to service. He speaks of his brothers in arms—calling them heroes, too, and kindred spirits who share a common calling.

“The experiences we share in the balance between life and death are deeply special,” he says. “That connection keeps me motivated every single day.”

The bond is forged, not only in battle, but also in the preparation. Every war game, every rehearsal—Bala pours his energy training and improving his team’s instincts, ensuring they are ready for every possible outcome.

That mindset carries into his life at home. As a husband and father to his three-year-old son, Subala, Bala applies the same principles, planning each decision with care and balancing duty with family. . Because a life of service comes with its austerities, he makes sure to keep his wife informed before making any final decision in this journey.

“I plan it out with my wife, keep her informed, and then take the best possible course of action,” he explains. “That way, whatever happens, we can face the challenge together.”

The fad behind the uniform

At home, the spirit of service is already taking root. Subala watches his father accomplish feats with awe. Whether it’s jumping out of aircraft in full gear, diving into the sea on combat missions, or firing rifles and pistols during relentless assaults, these courageous stunts never fail to amaze the little boy. These moments, though thrilling, are more than just action scenes to Bala. They are opportunities to teach, to lead by example, and help his son understand something deeper.

While Bala would be proud if Subala becomes a fourth-generation officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he ultimately honor’s his son’s freedom  should the latter choose differently. To him, service is not confined to the uniform. He explains that the Philippine Army offers a wide range of service opportunities, with roles tailored to each person’s unique skills and capabilities. Some soldiers even come in as engineers, medical professionals, architects, pilots, aviation engineers, cyber warfare experts, drone makers, and more.

“One doesn’t need to wear the uniform to serve family, country, and God,” he says. “Service is not about the uniform—it’s about the heart.”

A calling that demands a stout heart

But the heart, Bala says,can easily be swayed. Popular media—from war movies to video games—often glamorizes the military. And while  it may inspire dreams of valor, the reality is far more complex, and often disappointing,  disheartening even some of the most enthusiastic. That’s why Bala insists: the military isn’t just a job. I’s a calling.

“It demands resilience, discipline, and sacrifice,” he explains. “Being a soldier means living a life of perpetual constraints—a highly regulated life that demands keeping your body, mind, and spirit healthy and sharp. Most importantly, it demands selflessness—the willingness to endure hardship, and a commitment to service above self.”  

The Philippine Army proactively supports mental wellness, and families pitch in, too—but ultimately, each soldier must cultivate his spirit and inner resilience. No soldier fights alone, but the spirit must be stout enough to rise when tested. 

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